Western Cape region of South Africa

Nestled at the southernmost tip of the African continent, the Western Cape region of South Africa is a captivating tapestry of stunning landscapes, cultural diversity, historical significance, and abundant wildlife. The Western Cape is home to the famous Winelands, an area renowned not only for its picturesque vineyards and world-class wines but also for its deep-rooted history that reflects the country's diverse heritage.

Wine and Heritage:

A Historic Blend The Winelands of the Western Cape tell a story that goes far beyond the cultivation of grapes and the production of fine wines. The history of winemaking in this region dates back centuries, with European settlers, most notably the Dutch and the French Huguenots, introducing viticulture to the area in the late 17th century. The region's unique climate and soil conditions proved ideal for grape cultivation, leading to the establishment of numerous vineyards and wine estates that continue to flourish to this day.

Exploring the Western Cape and Winelands is a journey through history. Visitors have the opportunity to delve into the past through various historical landmarks and heritage sites:

Groot Constantia:

One of the oldest wine estates in South Africa, Groot Constantia boasts a history that spans over 300 years. The estate's Cape Dutch architecture and meticulously preserved cellars glimpse the colonial era.

Stellenbosch:

This charming town is not only known for its wine culture but also for its well-preserved Cape Dutch architecture. Stroll along oak-lined streets, visit the Stellenbosch Museum, and learn about the town's role in South Africa's history.

Franschhoek:

The name translates to "French corner," a tribute to the Huguenot settlers who brought their winemaking expertise to the region. The Huguenot Monument and Museum pay homage to these early settlers and their contribution to South African culture. Cultural Diversity and Township Tourism Beyond its winemaking heritage, the Western Cape is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. The province is home to a significant population of various ethnic groups, including the Khoi-San indigenous people, the Xhosa, and the Cape Malay community. Township tourism provides visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the local communities and gain insights into their way of life, history, and challenges.

Robben Island:

A Symbol of Resilience Without mentioning Robben Island, no discussion of the Western Cape's history would be complete. This UNESCO World Heritage Site served as a political prison during the apartheid era, where many anti-apartheid activists, including Nelson Mandela, were incarcerated. Visiting the island offers a sombre yet essential understanding of South Africa's journey toward democracy and equality.

Eco-Tourism, Safari, and Accommodation Options

While history and culture are significant draws for tourism in the Western Cape, the region's natural beauty and wildlife are equally captivating. Visitors can embark on thrilling safari adventures in nearby game reserves, such as:

Aquila Private Game Reserve:

Situated just a few hours from Cape Town, this reserve offers the opportunity to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) in their natural habitat. Game drives and guided tours provide an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve:

Known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, Sanbona offers luxury accommodations and intimate encounters with animals. Visitors can choose from various lodges and enjoy guided game drives.

Accommodation Options in Western Cape & Winelands

The region offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveller's preference:

Luxury Wine Estates:

Many wine estates offer exquisite accommodations that blend comfort with the rustic charm of the countryside. Enjoy wine tastings, fine dining, and stunning views at your doorstep.

Boutique Hotels:

Charming boutique hotels in towns like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek provide personalized service and easy access to cultural attractions.

Safari Lodges:

For those seeking a closer encounter with wildlife, luxury safari lodges provide all-inclusive packages that include guided game drives, gourmet dining, and luxurious amenities.

The Western Cape and Winelands of South Africa are a remarkable blend of history, culture, wildlife, and natural wonders. Whether savouring world-class wines, exploring historic landmarks, engaging with local communities, embarking on a thrilling safari adventure, or indulging in luxury accommodations, visitors are treated to an experience that not only celebrates the past but also reflects the resilience, diversity, and enchanting beauty of South Africa.

LANZERAC HOTEL & SPA

STEEPED IN HISTORY DATING BACK TO 1692, LANZERAC WINE ESTATE IS A HISTORIC LANDMARK AND STELLENBOSCH ICON. THE GRANDE DAME IS SYNONYMOUS WITH OLD-WORLD CHARM AND RICH CAPE HERITAGE.

5 STAR

MONT ROCHELLE HOTEL

MONT ROCHELLE IS A STUNNING 26-BEDROOM HOTEL AND VINEYARD JUST UNDER AN HOUR’S DRIVE FROM CAPE TOWN IN THE TOWN OF FRANSCHHOEK IN SOUTH AFRICA.

5 STAR

ARABELLA HOTEL & SPA

LOCATED IN THE KOGELBERG BIOSPHERE, ONE OF THE WORLD’S RICHEST FLORAL RESERVES, WELCOMES VISITORS TO EXPLORE THE STUNNING NATURAL SURROUNDINGS, MODERN ACCOMMODATION IN A ONE-OF-A-KIND LUXURY HERMANUS HOTEL.

5 STAR

SANBONA WILDLIFE RESERVE

AT THE FOOT OF THE TOWERING WARMWATERBERG MOUNTAINS IN THE LITTLE KAROO LIES THE UNIQUE SAFARI DESTINATION OF SANBONA WILDLIFE RESERVE. 

5 STAR

WINDSOR HOTEL & APARTMENTS

THE 120-YEAR-OLD WINDSOR, NEAR THE TOWN CENTRE AND ITS RICH VARIETY OF RESTAURANTS, GALLERIES AND SHOPS, HAS BEEN MODERNISED BUT STEADFASTLY RETAINS ITS FAMILY ATMOSPHERE WITH HOME-FROM-HOME HOSPITALITY.

5 STAR

BUSHMANS KLOOF WELLNESS RETREAT

CRADLED BY THE RUGGED CEDERBERG MOUNTAINS, BUSHMANS KLOOF OFFERS AN UTTERLY UNIQUE WILDERNESS ESCAPE IN SOUTH AFRICA. 
THIS FAMILY-OWNED LODGE AND ECOLOGICAL OASIS IS SET WITHIN A 7500-HECTARE PRIVATE RESERVE.

5 STAR

LEEU COLLECTION

AN ICON LOCATED IN THE HEART OF FRANSCHHOEK VILLAGE, LE QUARTIER FRANÇAIS COMPRISES A ROMANTIC BOUTIQUE HOTEL.

5 STAR

ONE MARINE DRIVE HOTEL

A CHARMING 5-STAR HOTEL LOCATED IN HERMANUS, RIGHT ON THE CLIFF PATH, WITHIN EASY WALKING DISTANCE OF THE TOWN.

5 STAR

AQUILA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

AQUILA IS MORE THAN JUST AN UNFORGETTABLE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE, IT IS AN EXPERIENCE IN LUXURIOUS AFRICAN HOSPITALITY.

4 STAR

ABALONE LODGE

SITUATED ON SIEVER'S POINT, A LANDMARK SEAFRONT POSITION MIDWAY BETWEEN THE TOWN CENTRE AND THE BEAUTIFUL BLUE FLAG BEACHES OF HERMANUS.

4 STAR

DEVON VALLEY HOTEL

WELL-KNOWN FOR IS AUTHENTIC ‘HANDMADE HOSPITALITY’, WITH A PROUD HISTORY DATING BACK TO 1947 WHEN THE MAIN BUILDING WAS CONSTRUCTED FROM CANADIAN CEDARWOOD

4 STAR

DE ZALZE LODGE

CAPE DUTCH VERNACULAR STYLE GUEST LODGE OVERLOOKING THE LUSH VINEYARDS AND BREATHTAKING STELLENBOSCH MOUNTAINS. NESTLED AGAINST THE FIRST FAIRWAY OF THE DE ZALZE GOLF COURSE.

4 STAR

INVERDOORN GAME RESERVE

BIG 5 GAME RESERVE INVERDOORN PROVIDES THE ULTIMATE BIG 5 SAFARI EXPERIENCE JUST UNDER 2.5 HOURS FROM CAPE TOWN.

4 STAR

HARBOUR HOUSE HERMANUS

HARBOUR HOUSE HOTEL ENJOYS THE MOST PROMINENT OF POSITIONS IN THE HEART OF HERMANUS.

4 STAR

ERINVALE ESTATE HOTEL & SPA

A MODEST CAPE DUTCH-STYLE FARMSTEAD DATING BACK TO THE 1700S INTO THE ELEGANT FOUR-STAR BOUTIQUE HOTEL OF TODAY HAS PRESERVED THE RICH HERITAGE OF THIS PROPERTY.

4 STAR

PROTEA MARRIOTT FRANSCHHOEK

GRACIOUS STYLE AND ATTENTIVE SERVICE. THIS 4-STAR PROPERTY HAS A RICH HISTORY, WITH ONE SECTION DATING BACK TO THE 1880S.

4 STAR

RIVER MANOR BOUTIQUE HOTEL

A GLORIOUSLY ROMANTIC SETTING IN THE HEART OF HISTORIC STELLENBOSCH. HOUSED IN TWO ADJACENT MANOR HOUSES AND SET IN A LANDSCAPED GARDEN ON THE BANKS OF THE EERSTE RIVER.

4 STAR

RICKETY BRIDGE WINERY

LOCATED IN THE VILLAGE OF FRANSCHHOEK NESTLES AGAINST THE HILLSIDE OVERLOOKING VINEYARDS AND THE MAJESTIC WEMMERSHOEK MOUNTAINS THE FOOD AND WINE CAPITAL OF SOUTH AFRICA.

4 STAR

LE FRANSCHHOEK HOTEL & SPA

WELCOME TO LE FRANSCHHOEK HOTEL & SPA, OFFERING EXCEPTIONAL FOUR-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN THE HEART OF THE FRANSCHHOEK VALLEY.

4 STAR

PROTEA MARRIOTT UPINGTON

IDEAL FOR HOLIDAYS AND CONFERENCES, AND SET ON THE EDGE OF THE MYSTIC KALAHARI DESERT, THIS HOTEL IS SURROUNDED BY A TOWN OF BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED GARDENS.

4 STAR

MISTY WAVES HOTEL

HERMANUS WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA. THE IMPRESSIVE BOUTIQUE HOTEL IS SITUATED IN THE BEST LAND-BASED WHALE-WATCHING DESTINATION IN THE WORLD - HERMANUSA THE CAPE WHALE COAST OR OVERSTRAND.

4 STAR

MIMOSA LODGE

A DELIGHTFUL RETREAT WITH AN ENVIABLE REPUTATION FOR PERSONAL ATTENTION, HOSPITALITY AND CARE. UNWIND FROM YOUR DAY’S ACTIVITIES IN THE OASIS-LIKE GARDEN, ENJOY A REFRESHING SWIM.

4 STAR

DE HOOP COLLECTION

JUST OUTSIDE BREDASDORP PROVIDES EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION AND NATURE-BASED EXPERIENCES IN ONE OF THE LARGEST AREAS MANAGED BY CAPENATURE, THE DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE.

3 STAR

MONTAGUE COUNTRY HOTEL

NESTLED BETWEEN THE BEAUTIFUL LANGEBERG MOUNTAINS ON ROUTE 62, ABOUT TWO HOURS DRIVE FROM CAPE TOWN AND CONVENIENTLY LOCATED HALFWAY BETWEEN THE CAPE WINELANDS AND THE GARDEN ROUTE.


3 STAR

PROTEA MARRIOT STELLENBOSCH

PLAN YOUR GETAWAY TO ONE OF SOUTH AFRICA'S MOST CHARMING TOWNS, AND LET US EXTEND YOU A WARM WELCOME. IDEALLY SITUATED AND BRIMMING WITH AMENITIES.

3 STAR

THE OVERLOOK - UPINGTON

SPECTACULAR VIEW OF THE KALAHARI DESERT AND THE VINEYARDS OF THE ORANGE RIVER VALLEY. CONVENIENTLY LOCATED, IN THE CENTER OF KEIMOES ON THE HILLTOP, PRIVACY IS A PRIORITY AT THE OVERLOOK.

GUEST HOUSE